Hi, I'm thinking of getting a Creative Zen V+ 4GB but have some queries about the line in recording. I want to use it to record radio shows and to record vinyl.

I want to know:
- What format does it record in? MP3, WMA, or do you have a choice? What bitrates are available?
- Is there any sort of rights protection on the files or are they ordinary, completely free MP3? (Can you copy them to a PC, burn them to CD, transfer them to another player, etc.?)
- What's the quality of the recording like? Does it sound good?
- Can you adjust the recording volume?
- Do you need a special lead for the line in or is it some sort of standard connection?
- Anything else particularly good or bad about the line-in recording.

Also, if anyone can suggest an alternative mp3 player with line-in recording which is available in the UK, (some don't seem to be), or the best place to get the players in the UK, that'd be good too. Thanks

Thanks for your reply. I've had a Sony Hi-MD minidisc player for a few years and I love it, but to do anything with a computer you've got to use Sony's SonicStage software, which is a right pain, and all recordings have attatched licences, so you can't really do anything with them apart from listen back. I'm thinking of recording a lot of my vinyl and want to get it into a universal format (i.e., mp3), and recording to my PC is a pain, so from what you've said the Zen V could be the answer. Thanks again

I also tested with cardioid stereo mics plugged into a battery module, which was then connected to the line-in with an adapter plug from Radio Shack. More ambient static, but voices were clear.

Hey,
Hmmm so can you explain this more? I want to use the Line-In with a Lavalier mike so we can do podcasts of people speeches in my company. However when I bought a small mic at Radioshack it didn't seem to pick anything up at all? Do I need a pre-amp attached to the mic? Help!

Hey,
Hmmm so can you explain this more? I want to use the Line-In with a Lavalier mike so we can do podcasts of people speeches in my company. However when I bought a small mic at Radioshack it didn't seem to pick anything up at all? Do I need a pre-amp attached to the mic? Help!

Yes, you need a battery module or a pre-amp. I had the same problem with my Radio Shack mic, even though it came with a battery. Apparently there's just not enough power to get the sound up to line in audibility.

I use a battery module from SoundProfessionals, though I didn't like dealing with the company. For podcasting, it should be good, though awkward to carry around all that equipment. I don't know how a more expensive, hand-held powered mic would work.

Also, to correct what I said earlier, it records in 128 or 160 wmv, not mp3.